Washing machine and door latch

ABSTRACT

A safety door latch for a commercial washing machine is provided which is adapted to selectively maintain the door of the washing machine locked in its closed position during operation of the machine. The handle of the washing machine is rotatably mounted on the door and is connected to a latch member through a selectively operable clutch. The latch member cooperates with another latch member, fixed to the frame of the washing machine, so that when the latch members are in engagement the door is held in its closed position. In that position, the door latch member actuates means for disengaging the clutch so that rotation of the handle when the door is closed, and during operation of the machine, is ineffective to rotate the door latch member so that the door cannot be opened.

United States Patent 1 Ulrich WASHING MACHINE AND DOOR LATCH CarlUlrich, 244 Whitehall St., Lynbrook, NY. 11563 [22] Filed: Sept. 26,1973 [21] Appl. No.: 400,799

[76] Inventor:

Primary ExaminerRichard E. Moore Attorney. Agent. or Firm- Pasquale A.Razzano; Curtis. Morris & Safford Aug. 12, 1975 5 7 ABSTRACT A safetydoor latch for a commercial washing machine is provided which is adaptedto selectively maintain the door of the washing machine locked in itsclosed position during operation of the machine. The handle of thewashing machine is rotatably mounted on the door and is connected to alatch member through a selectively operable clutch. The latch membercooperates with another latch member, fixed to the frame of the washingmachine, so that when the latch members are in engagement the door isheld in its closed position. In that position, the door latch memberactuates means for disengaging the clutch so that rotation of the handlewhen the door is closed, and during operation of the machine, isineffective to rotate the door latch member so that the door cannot beopened.

18 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTEU AUG 1 21975 PATENTEU we 121975 SHEET FIG. 5

PATENTEUAUEIZIQYS 899,204

SHEET 4 205 F/G. l0

WASHING MACHINE AND DOOR LATCH The present invention relates to doorlatches and more particularly to a door latch for a commercial washingmachine.

In recent years there has been a widespread increase in the number ofcommercial laundromat establishments at which the general public maylaunder clothing and other items in commercial washing machines. Many ofthese establishments use commercial washing machines which are coinoperated and others use machines which are operated by the proprietor orby the public and for which a fee is paid directly to the proprietor. Ineither case, it is quite apparent that such commercial washing machinesare subjected to intensive and substantially continuous use. As a resultthese machines are specially built to be quite durable and particularlyadapted for heavy duty applications. However, it is still necessary fromtime to time to repair such machines as the various parts thereof wearduring use.

Since such machines are used in commercial establishments the down timeof these machines for repair purposes represents a loss of income to theproprietor of the laundromat. Accordingly, it is desirable that themachines be constructed in such a manner that repairs can be maderapidly and easily so that the machine can be placed back in operationimmediately.

One problem with commercial washing machines is the inexperience of theperson using the machines which result in overflow of water or suds fromthe machines. Such overflows often cause damage to the various operatingmechanisms in the machine, particularly the electrical componentsthereof, thereby increasing the need for repairs.

Another problem with such machines is that the inexperienced operatorwill often attempt to open the door of the machine while it is in thewash or spin dry cycle. Accordingly, it has been found desirable toprovide locks on these machines which do not permit the door of themachine to be opened during the operating cycle'. However, previouslyproposed locks for this purpose are often damaged by the users of themachines since the user often attempts to force the lock to open themachine because they are unaware that the operating cycle is not yetcompleted or because they wish to interrupt the operating cycle and areunder the mistaken impression that opening the door will do so.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a doorlatch mechanism for commercial washing machines which is durable inconstruction.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a door latchmechanism for a commercial washing machine which will prevent the doorfrom being opened and the latch from being jammed or broken during theoperating cycle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a commercialwashing machine which has its various operating components in aconveniently accessible location for permitting rapid repairs.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention a commercialwashing machine is provided in which substantially all of the operatingmechanisms and control components therefore are located at the top ofthe machine in order to provide easy access through the top for repairsto such apparatus and components. The machine is also provided with alatch mechanism which will keep the door of the washing machine closeddur' ing the operating cycle and which will prevent the user fromjamming or breaking the latch. This latch mechanism includes a pair ofcooperating latch members, one of which is mounted on the interior frameof the washing machine and the other of which is rotatably mounted onthe door of the machine. The latter latch member is secured to theexternal handle on the door through a clutch mechanism which is normallyengaged so that rotation of the handle will cause rotation of the latch.However, when the door is closed, and the door latch member is engagedwith the latch member secured to the washing machine frame, the doorlatch member engages a switch which operates a solenoid controlledclutch disengagement mechanism. This mechanism disengages the elementsof the clutch so that further rotation of the handle will not effectrotation of the latch mechanism. As a result, the handle is free torotate when turned by a user; thus the handle and latch mechanism cannotbe jammed and the door cannot be opened. The clutch disengagingmechanism remains actuated throughout the entire operating cycle of themachine and when that cycle is completed, as determined by the timingmechanism controlling the machine, the clutch disengaging mechanism isdeactivated so that the latch can be rotated upon operation of thehandle.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a commercial washing machine constructedin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the interior mechanism ofthe washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the latchmechanism used to lock the door of the washing machinen of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle and latch mechanism in theclosed position of the door;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken in plan, along line 55 of FIG. 4, ofthe latch mechanism of the present invention in the operating positionof the clutch mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing the configurationof the clutch mechanism when the washing machine is in operation;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view, taken along line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the entire latch assembly and clutchdisengaging mechanism;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the drum assembly of thewashing machine of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the water drain guide structure on theinterior of the drum assembly.

Referring now to the drawing in detail and initially to FIG. 1 thereof,it will be seen that a washing machine 10, constructed in accordancewith the present invention, includes an external housing 12 having a top14 which is pivotally mounted along its rear edge in any convenientmanner so that the top may be open to expose the interior of the machinefor repair purposes as described more fully hereinafter. Housing 12 alsoincludes a front door 16 which provides access to the interior drum ofthe washing machine, which door is provided with a lock or latchmechanism 18, constructed in accordance with the present invention andwhich is adapted to lock door 16 in its closed position during operationof the machine.

Washing machine includes, as seen in FIG. 2, an internal drum-shapedrigid frame 20 which contains a rotatably mounted drum 200 (see FIG. 8)in which the clothing and other items are placed, through door 16, forthe washing process. This rotatably drum includes a shaft 22 rotatablymounted in frame 20 in any convenient manner which extends through therear wall 24 of the frame. Shaft 22 is operatively connected through aspring clutch mechanism 26 of conventional construction to a pair ofpulleys 28, 30 respectively. These pulleys are drivingly connectedthrough a transmission system 32 to an electric motor 34. The latterincludes a centrifugal clutch 36 drivingly connected to a pair of outputsheaves 38, 40.

Inner output sheave 38 is connected directly to the pulley 30 by a belt42 of transmission system 32 for high speed rotation of the drum. On theother hand output sheave is connected through a belt 43 in transmissionsystem 32 to jack shaft sheave 44. The latter is rotatably mounted in asubassembly 45 on frame 20 and is drivingly connected to a coaxialoutput sheave 46 of smaller diameter. The latter is drivingly connectedto the large diameter drive sheaves 28 by a belt 47 for low speedrotation of the drum. Belts 42, 47 are maintained in their propertension by a pair of pivotally mounted idler arms 48, 50 respectivelywhich are spring biased towards each other by a tension spring 41.

By this construction, at low speed operations centrifugal clutch 36causes the sheave 40 to be operated, thereby to drive the drum throughthe outer sheave 28. At higher speed operations, i.e. at higher speedsof rotation of motor 34, centrifugal clutch 36, operating in theconventional manner, causes sheave 38 to rotate in lieu of sheave 40 sothat a direct high speed drive through sheave 30 is permitted. Springclutch 26 provides for a smooth transition between the operating speeds.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, motor 34 is mounted at the upper surfaceof frame 20, through an L-shaped bracket 52. Accordingly, the motor isabove the base of the washing machine and is thereby protected againstdamage due to overflow or flooding in the base of the machine as aresult of improper operation thereof by the user.

Frame 20 includes a vent 54 which permits discharge of heated and moistair from the interior and normally perforated rotating drum to theatmosphere. On the other hand, water is supplied to the interior frame20, and thus to the rotating drum within the washing machine, through aninlet vent opening 56. The water is supplied through this opening from ahose 58 which is connected through a valve mechanism to a pair of inletports 62 through which hot and cold water are supplied from separatesupply hoses (not shown). Valve mechanism 60 includes solenoid valves64, 66 which are controlled by the electrical operating control systemof the machine to permit the operator to select the proper proportion ofhot and cold water which are supplied through the valve mechanism tohose 58 and thus to the interior drum.

The electronic controls for the solenoid valves 64, 66 and for the otheraspects of the machine of the present invention are of conventionalconstruction and would be understood by those skilled in the art. All ofthe controls, including the conventional switching control mechanism 68(such as is provided in the commercially available DUPLEX washingmachine) are located on the upper portion of frame 20 away from the baseof the machine. Accordingly, all of the electrical controls areprotected against possible damage due to flooding and overflow of themachine during operation.

Discharge of water from the drum within the machine is provided througha dump valve 68 located at the base 70 of frame 20. This base receiveswater from the perforated drum 200 (shown in FIG. 8) inside of the frame20 through drain 202, and this water is discharged through valve 68 to ahose (not shown) connected to the valve in any convenient manner. Thevalve itself is controlled through a solenoid 72 eonnected to theelectrical control system of the machine. The solenoid is connected tothe operating arm 74 of the dump valve 68 through a linkage 76. In thismanner, the solenoid control member 72 is also located above the base,away from possible damage due to water in the base as a result ofoverflowing.

By this construction of the invention, it is seen that all of theoperating mechanisms of the washing machine are located at the top ofthe washer so that they are freely available for repair and servicingthrough the top of the machine. As a result, the machine is more rapidlyserviced by the repairman and less frequent repairs are required sincethe possibility of water damage to the various components is eliminated.It is noted that in previously proposed washing machines, for examplethe Duplex type washing machine mentioned above, the various controls,motors, etc. are located in the base of the machine, where access isdifficult and where the controls and equipment are exposed to waterdamage.

In accordance with another aspect of the present in vention, the frame20 is provided with a water guide structure which improves waterdrainage into the base of frame 20 for discharge through the dump valve68. As mentioned above, frame 20 includes a drain 202 through whichwater from the perforated rotatably mounted drum 200 is discharged. Thedrum 200 rotates in a single direction during operation of the washingmachine, as indicated by the arrow 204 in FIG. 8, so that the water isdischarged from the drum in a generally counterclockwise direction whenthe drum is viewed from the rear. In the typical washing machinestructures, this water is simply sprayed through the perforations 201 indrum 200 into the exterior frame of drum 200 and gravitates to thecentral discharge opening 202. Applicant, however, has provided a guidestructure which includes a pair of guide vanes 206 (more clearly shownin FIG. 9) which captures the water in the drum 200 and directs it tothe drain opening 202. These guide vanes 206 comprise a pair of invertedgenerally U-shaped channels having a central raised portion whose heightis approximately equal to the distance between the interior wall 208 offrame 20 and the periphery of drum 200. The guide channels are arrangedin a generally V-shaped pattern, as seen in FIG. 9, so that duringoperation of the washing machine, water discharged through theperforations 201 in a counterclockwise path of travel, as discussedabove, flows along the wall of drum 200 and is inter cepted by theguides 206 and directed by them directly to the drain hole 202. Thus,water discharged from drum 200 into frame cannot pass beyond the guides206 but must flow into the drain hole 202. This structure provides formore rapid discharge of water from the washing machine during thewashing cycle. In addition, it limits the amount of water sprayed aboutin the frame 20, and thus substantially prevents any water fromre-entering the drum 200 through the perforations therein, as may happenwith previously proposed washing machines. Accordingly, a substantiallyimproved drainage system is provided by the structure of the presentinvention.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the washingmachine is provided with the latching mechanism 18 (see FIGS. 4 and 8)which serves to lock the door 16 in a closed position during theoperating cycle of the machine. The latching mechanism includes a handle82 for use by the operator of the machine in opening and closing door16. Handle 82 is rigidly mounted on a shaft 84 by means of a bolt 86, asseen in FIG. 3, which extends through the handle 82 into shaft 84. Thelatter is rotatably mounted in a boss 88 secured in any convenientmanner to the exterior surface of door 16. The door is pivotally mountedon the housing 12 by hinges 90, in the conventional man ner, so that theoperator can open and close the door in order to expose the interiorrotating drum of the machine for the purpose of placing clothing and thelike therein.

Shaft 84 includes an inner end portion 92 having an outer annularsection 94 and a square section 96 formed inwardly thereof. Thesesections 94, 96 of the shaft 84 provide mounting support for a pair ofclutch plates 98, 100 respectively. Clutch plate 98 has an inner annularopening 102 which receives the annular portion 94 of shaft 84, so thatthe clutch plate 98 is rotatable with respect to the shaft. On the otherhand, clutch plate 100 has a square opening 104 formed therein whichreceives the square portion 96 of shaft 84. The clutch faces haveopposed complementary wall members 106, 108 formed therein, with theends 110 of the respective wall members being located so as to engageeach other when the clutch plates are in mating engagement, thereby todrivingly interconnect the two clutch plates.

Clutch plate 100 is normally biased into engagement with clutch plate 98by a spring 112 which surrounds the shank of shaft 84 and is inengagement between an inner surface 114 of boss 88 and the rear surface116 of clutch plate 100. By this arrangement, the two clutch plates arenormally maintained in engagement with each other.

As seen in FIG. 4, in the assembled configuration of the latchmechanism, the clutch plates are received in a recess 118 in the insidesurface 120 of door 16.

A first latch member 122 is operatively connected to clutch plate 98 bya plurality of screws 124. This latch member or plate cooperates with asecond latch plate 126 which is rigidly mounted on frame 20 of the washing machine, adjacent the opening therein (not seen) which providesaccess to the interior rotating drum within the frame. Latch plate 126is positioned to engage plate 222 when door 16 is closed and the handle82 is rotated into the position shown in FIG. 4. In this connection,latch plates 122, 126 have cooperating and mating convex surfaces 128formed therein to define the closed latched position of the latchmechanism.

Because of the normal engagement between the clutch plates 98, due tothe bias of spring 112 when door 16 is open, rotation of handle 82 willcause rotation of shaft 84, and both clutch plates, thereby also causingrotation of latch plate 122. Accordingly, when the door 16 is closed,handle 82 may be rotated to position the latch plate 122 behind latchplate 126 with the convex surfaces thereof in mating engagement. In thisconfiguration, the door cannot be pulled open unless handle 82 isrotated. However, latch mechanism 18 is provided with a clutchdisengaging mechanism 130 which disen'g'ages clutch plates 98, 100 whenthe door is closed and the washing machine is operating.

Clutch disengaging mechanism 130 cooperates with a pin 132 which isslidably mounted in an axial recess 134 in shaft84, which pin extendsoutwardly of the end 92 of shaft 84. Pin 132 has a transverse opening136 formed therein which receives a clutch push member 138. The latter,as seen most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 7 is formed in the generalconfiguration of a Y, with the stern portion thereof extending throughopening 136 and an elongated slot in the square portion 96 of shaft 84.

In the assembled configuration of the latch mechanism, clutch pushmember 138 is located between the clutch plates 98, 100, as seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, in the area between the clutch plates contained withinthe walls 106, 108 thereof (see FIG. 7). By this arrangement, axialmovement of the pin 132 inwardly of shaft 84 causes the push member 138to engage clutch plate 100, against the bias of spring 112, and to movethat clutch plate away from clutch plate 98, thereby to disengage theclutch plates. Upon such disengagement, rotation of handle 82 will causerotation of shaft 84, due to the rigid connection therebetween, howeverthe clutch plate 98 and the latch plate 122 will not move because theywill be held in a fixed position by the engagement oflatch plates 122,126. Accordingly, handle 82 will be free to rotate without effecting thelatching engagement of the latch plates. The Y-shaped configuration ofmember'- 138 provides a stable three-point engagement of the clutchplate to insure even and uniform movement thereof.

Inward movement of pin 132 in this manner is controlled by a switch 140mounted on frame 20 adjacent latch 126 in position to be engaged by theedge 142 of the latch member 122 when the latter is in its latchedposition shown in FIG. 4. Thus, when door 16 is closed and the latchplates 122, 126 engaged as described above, the actuating lever 144 ofswitch 140 is depressed.

Switch 146 controls the clutch disengaging mechanism 130 which in turncontrols a solenoid 146 mounted on a plate 148 at the upper surface offrame 20. Solenoid 146includes a plunger 150 which is operativelyconnected in any convenient manner to an L shaped lever 152. The latteris pivotally mounted in the support plate 148 and includes a spoon orfoot 154 which is located along the front surface of frame 20, oppositethe pin 132 when the door 16 is closed.

Lever 152 includes an extension portion 156 which extends downwardlyalong the front surface 158 of frame 20 through a slot 158 in the frontof plate 148. The lever is held in its relative vertical position by theprovision of a ring 160 integrally formed on leg 156 and capturedbetween plate 148 and an auxiliary plate 162 having a notch 164 thereinwhich receives the leg 156 and overlies ring 160. In this manner, lever152 is held in its relative vertical position, but is free to pivotabout its vertical axis, thereby moving shoe or foot 154 towards andaway from pin 132. Normally, lever 152 is biased by a spring 166connected between the lever and plate 148 so that foot 154 is heldremote from pin 152 (FIG. and so that plunger 150 of solenoid 146 isheld out of the housing of the solenoid.

In accordance with the present invention, when switch 140 is actuatedupon closing of door 16 in the manner described above and when themachine is placed in operation to initiate the wash cycle, solenoid 146is actuated to retract plunger 150 against the bias of spring 166. Thiscauses rotation of the lever 152 and moves the foot 154 into engagementwith the free end 170 of pin 132 (FIG. 6). This movement of foot 154urges pin 132 into recess 134 thereby causing push member 138 to moveclutch plate 100 away from clutch plate 98. Accordingly, door 16 islocked since latch plate 122 cannot be rotated upon further rotation ofhandle 82. Thus, the handle can be moved and rotated by a person usingthe machine, but will not cause the door 16 to be opened or the latch tobe jammed.

Solenoid plunger 150 remains retracted in this configuration, so thatdoor 16 remains locked, as long as the machine is in its operatingcycle. Thus, the solenoid is controlled by two signals, i.e. the signalfrom the switch 140 and a signal from the operating controls of thewashing machine. The exact electrical connection between the variouscomponents, is not described herein in detail since on the basis of thefunctional description thereof it is believed that such an electricalcontrol circuit would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In any case, upon the completion of the operating cycle, solenoid 146 isdeactivated so that plunger 150 returns to its extended position underthe influence of spring 166, thereby retracting foot 154 of the leveraway from pin 132 in the shaft 84. As a result, spring 112 moves clutchplate 100 back into engagement with clutch plate 98. Thus, the operatorof the machine can then rotate handle 82 and thus effect rotation ofclutch plate 98 and the latching plate 122 secured thereto to open door16.

Accordingly, it is seen that a relatively simply constructed latchingmechanism is provided which serves to positively lock the door of awashing machine during the operating cycle of the machine. Because thehandle is free to rotate during the operating cycle it is not possiblefor the user to inadvertently or even purposely break or jam thelatching mechanism. In addition, it is also impossible for the user toopen the door unless the operating cycle of the machine is completedeither in accordance with its normal timing cycle or by the operatorpurposely advancing the timing cycle to completion, by properlyadjusting the various control mechanisms on the washing machine.Moreover, because of the construction of the present invention, all ofthe operating mechanisms and electrical controls for the washing machineare located in the upper portion of the machine for easy access throughthe top opening in the machine housing. Accordingly, the machine isrelatively easily repaired and serviced, and the various components arenot subjected to water damage in the event of overflows in the machine.

Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to that preciseembodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of this invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A safety door latch for selectively maintaining adoor in a closed position with respect to a fixed frame comprising, ahandle rotatably mounted on said door, a first latch member mounted onsaid frame adjacent said handle, a second latch member adapted to engageand cooperate with said first latch member, selectively operable andnormally engaged clutch means for operatively connecting said secondlatch member to said handle for rotation with said handle when saidclutch is engaged, whereby when said door is closed rotation of saidhandle places said second latch member in latching engagement with saidfirst latch member; and means for selectively disengaging said clutchwhen said first and second latching members are in latching engagementwhereby further rotation of said handle is ineffective to rotate saidsecond latch member and said door is held in its closed position; saidhandle including a shaft rigidly connected thereto for rotationtherewith; and said clutch means including a pair of clutch plates, oneof said clutch plates being mounted on said shaft for rotation therewithand the other of said clutch plates being freely rotatably mounted onsaid shaft, said second latching member being secured to said otherclutch plate whereby when said clutch plates are in operativeengagement, rotation of said handle rotates said second latching memberand when said clutch plates are disengaged, said handle and shaft rotatefreely with respect to said second latching member.

2. The safety door latch as defined in claim 1 including means fornormally biasing said clutch plates into engagement with each other.

3. The safety door latch as defined in claim 2 wherein said clutchdisengaging means comprises means for urging said one clutch plate awayfrom said other clutch plate against the bias of said spring biasingmeans.

4. The safety door latch as defined in claim 3 wherein said shaft has anelongated slot formed therein and said urging means includes a pinslidably mounted axially in said shaft and extending outwardly therefromtowards said frame; and a push member mounted in said pin and extendingthrough said slot between said clutch plates for moving said one clutchplate away from said other clutch plate upon inward movement of said pinagainst the bias of said biasing means.

5. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4 wherein said push memberhas a generally Y-shaped configuration whereby said one clutch plate isin a stable three point engagement with said push member during movementthereof. 1 6. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4 wherein saidclutch plates each include cooperating peripheral wall members adaptedto drivingly engage each other, said push member being received in saidone clutch plate within the confines of its peripheral wall.

7. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4 wherein said clutchdisengaging means includes engaging and moving said pin inwardly of saidshaft against the bias of said biasing means.

8. The safety door latch as defined in claim 7 wherein said clutchdisengaging means further includes switch means mounted on said frameadjacent said first latch member for engagement and actuation by saidsecond latch member when said latch members are in mating engagement;and a solenoid operatively engaged with said pin engaging and movingmeans, said solenoid activating said pin engaging and moving means uponactuation of said switch.

9. The safety door latch as defined in claim 8 wherein said pin engagingand moving means comprises a lever pivotally mounted on said framehaving one end connected to said solenoid and its other end locatedadjacent said pin.

10. The safety door latch as defined in claim 9 including spring meansnormally biasing said other end of said lever away from said pin.

11. A safety door latch for selectively maintaining a door in a closedposition with respect to a fixed frame comprising, a handle rotatablymounted on said door, a first latch member mounted on said frameadjacent said handle, a second latch'member adapted to engage andcooperate with said first latch member, selectively operable andnormally engaged clutch means for operatively connecting said secondlatch member to said handle for rotation with said handle when saidclutch is engaged, whereby when said door is closed rotation of saidhandle places said second latch member in latching engagement with saidfirst latch member; and means for selectively disengaging said clutchwhen said first and second latching members are in latching engagementwhereby further rotation of said handle is ineffective to rotate saidsecond latch member and said door is held in its closed position; saidclutch engaging means including means for detecting the latching engagement of said first and second latching members which comprisesswitch means positioned adjacent said one latch member for engagement bysaid other latch member when the latter is rotated into latchingengagement with said first latch member.

12. The safety door latch as defined in claim 11 wherein said clutchdisengaging means includes a solenoid operatively connected to saidswitch for actuation thereby upon engagement of said switch by saidother latch member, said solenoid being operatively engaged with saidclutch for disengaging the clutch when actuated by said switch.

13. The safety door latch as defined in claim 11 including timing meansfor deactivating said solenoid after a predetermined time period.

14. The safety door latch as defined in claim 13 wherein said door andframe form portions of a clothes washing machine and said predeterminedtime period comprises the completion of the wash cycle of said machine.

15. The safety door latch as defined in claim 1 wherein said latch isused on the door of a commercial clothes washing machine, said machineincluding a drum rotatably mounted in said frame, drive means for saiddrum mounted on the top of said frame, and water supply means for saiddrum mounted on the top of said frame.

16. The device as defined in claim 15 including electrical control meansfor controlling the operation of said washing machine and said clutchdisengaging means, said electrical control means being mounted on thetop of said frame.

17. The device as defined in claim 15 wherein said frame has a waterdrain hole therein and a pair of water drain vanes mounted in said frameadjacent said drain hole in a generally V-shaped configuration whoseapex is located adjacent said hole and in the direction of rotation ofsaid drum.

18. A safety door latch for selectively maintaining a door in a closedposition with respect to a fixed frame comprising, a handle rotatablymounted on said door, a first latch member mounted on said frameadjacent said handle, a second latch member adapted to engage andcooperate with said first latch member, selectively operable andnormally engaged clutch means for operatively connecting said secondlatch member to said handle for rotation with said handle when saidclutch is engaged, whereby when said door is closed rotation of saidhandle places said second latch member in latching engagement with saidfirst latch member; means for detecting the latching engagement of saidfirst and second latching members upon said rotation of said handle; andmeans, responsive to said detecting means, for disengaging said clutchwhen said first and second latching members are rotated into latchingengagement, whereby further rotation of said handle is ineffective torotate said second latch member and said door is held in its closedposition.

1. A safety door latch for selectively maintaining a door in a closedposition with respect to a fixed frame comprising, a handle rotatablymounted on said door, a first latch member mounted on said frameadjacent said handle, a second latch member adapted to engage andcooperate with said first latch member, selectively operable andnormally engaged clutch means for operatively connecting said secondlatch member to said handle for rotation with said handle when saidclutch is engaged, whereby when said door is closed rotation of saidhandle places said second latch member in latching engagement with saidfirst latch member; and means for selectively disengaging said clutchwhen said first and second latching members are in latching engagementwhereby further rotation of said handle is ineffective to rotate saidsecond latch member and said door is held in its closed position; saidhandle including a shaft rigidly connected thereto for rotationtherewith; and said clutch means including a pair of clutch plates, oneof said clutch plates being mounted on said shaft for rotation therewithand the other of said clutch plates being freely rotatably mounted onsaid shaft, said second latching member being secured to said otherclutch plate whereby when said clutch plates are in operativeengagement, rotation of said handle rotates said second latching memberand when said clutch plates are disengaged, said handle and shaft rotatefreely with respect to said second latching member.
 2. The safety doorlatch as defined in claim 1 including means for normally biasing saidclutch plates into engagement with each other.
 3. The safety door latchas defined in claim 2 wherein said clutch disengaging means comprisesmeans for urging said one clutch plate away from said other clutch plateagainst the bias of said spring biasing means.
 4. The safety door latchas defined in claim 3 wherein said shaft has an elongated slot formedtherein and said urging means includes a pin slidably mounted axially insaid shaft and extending outwardly therefrom towards said frame; and apush member mounted in said pin and extending through said slot betweensaid clutch plates for moving said one clutch plate away from said otherclutch plate upon inward movement of said pin against the bias of saidbiasing means.
 5. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4 whereinsaid push member has a generally Y-shaped configuration whereby said oneclutch plate is in a stable three point engagement with said push memberduring movement thereof.
 6. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4wherein said clutch plates eaCh include cooperating peripheral wallmembers adapted to drivingly engage each other, said push member beingreceived in said one clutch plate within the confines of its peripheralwall.
 7. The safety door latch as defined in claim 4 wherein said clutchdisengaging means includes engaging and moving said pin inwardly of saidshaft against the bias of said biasing means.
 8. The safety door latchas defined in claim 7 wherein said clutch disengaging means furtherincludes switch means mounted on said frame adjacent said first latchmember for engagement and actuation by said second latch member whensaid latch members are in mating engagement; and a solenoid operativelyengaged with said pin engaging and moving means, said solenoidactivating said pin engaging and moving means upon actuation of saidswitch.
 9. The safety door latch as defined in claim 8 wherein said pinengaging and moving means comprises a lever pivotally mounted on saidframe having one end connected to said solenoid and its other endlocated adjacent said pin.
 10. The safety door latch as defined in claim9 including spring means normally biasing said other end of said leveraway from said pin.
 11. A safety door latch for selectively maintaininga door in a closed position with respect to a fixed frame comprising, ahandle rotatably mounted on said door, a first latch member mounted onsaid frame adjacent said handle, a second latch member adapted to engageand cooperate with said first latch member, selectively operable andnormally engaged clutch means for operatively connecting said secondlatch member to said handle for rotation with said handle when saidclutch is engaged, whereby when said door is closed rotation of saidhandle places said second latch member in latching engagement with saidfirst latch member; and means for selectively disengaging said clutchwhen said first and second latching members are in latching engagementwhereby further rotation of said handle is ineffective to rotate saidsecond latch member and said door is held in its closed position; saidclutch engaging means including means for detecting the latchingengagement of said first and second latching members which comprisesswitch means positioned adjacent said one latch member for engagement bysaid other latch member when the latter is rotated into latchingengagement with said first latch member.
 12. The safety door latch asdefined in claim 11 wherein said clutch disengaging means includes asolenoid operatively connected to said switch for actuation thereby uponengagement of said switch by said other latch member, said solenoidbeing operatively engaged with said clutch for disengaging the clutchwhen actuated by said switch.
 13. The safety door latch as defined inclaim 11 including timing means for deactivating said solenoid after apredetermined time period.
 14. The safety door latch as defined in claim13 wherein said door and frame form portions of a clothes washingmachine and said predetermined time period comprises the completion ofthe wash cycle of said machine.
 15. The safety door latch as defined inclaim 1 wherein said latch is used on the door of a commercial clotheswashing machine, said machine including a drum rotatably mounted in saidframe, drive means for said drum mounted on the top of said frame, andwater supply means for said drum mounted on the top of said frame. 16.The device as defined in claim 15 including electrical control means forcontrolling the operation of said washing machine and said clutchdisengaging means, said electrical control means being mounted on thetop of said frame.
 17. The device as defined in claim 15 wherein saidframe has a water drain hole therein and a pair of water drain vanesmounted in said frame adjacent said drain hole in a generally V-shapedconfiguration whose apex is located adjacent said hole and in thedirection of rotation of said drum.
 18. A safety door latch forselectively maintaining a door in a closed poSition with respect to afixed frame comprising, a handle rotatably mounted on said door, a firstlatch member mounted on said frame adjacent said handle, a second latchmember adapted to engage and cooperate with said first latch member,selectively operable and normally engaged clutch means for operativelyconnecting said second latch member to said handle for rotation withsaid handle when said clutch is engaged, whereby when said door isclosed rotation of said handle places said second latch member inlatching engagement with said first latch member; means for detectingthe latching engagement of said first and second latching members uponsaid rotation of said handle; and means, responsive to said detectingmeans, for disengaging said clutch when said first and second latchingmembers are rotated into latching engagement, whereby further rotationof said handle is ineffective to rotate said second latch member andsaid door is held in its closed position.